GLACIER TABLES Meaning and
Definition
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Glacier tables refer to impressive geological formations created through glacial erosion. These formations are characterized by flat, elevated surfaces that resemble tables, hence their name. Glaciers play a significant role in shaping the Earth's landscape, and glacier tables are one of the remarkable features resulting from this process.
Glacier tables are typically found in areas where glaciers have retreated, leaving behind remnants of their powerful eroding forces. The formation of a glacier table begins as a glacier moves across a landscape, carving the underlying rock through abrasion and plucking. As the glacier slowly advances, large boulders or rock fragments become lodged within the ice.
Over time, these rocks serve as armor, protecting the underlying surface from erosion. As the surrounding area is gradually eroded away by the glacier's relentless movement, the rocks anchored within the ice gradually become exposed. As the glacier retreats, the underlying rock surface is revealed, with the stranded rocks acting as supports or pedestals, creating the distinct tabletop-like appearance.
Glacier tables can vary in size, ranging from a few meters to several hectares in dimension. Their flat surfaces are often smooth and polished due to the glacial abrasion, and they commonly exhibit parallel striations and grooves caused by the movement of the ice.
These unique formations are not only visually stunning but also serve as important geological markers of past glaciation. They provide valuable insights into the powerful erosive capabilities of glaciers and the transformative impacts of past ice ages on the Earth's surface.
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The name given to large table-like blocks of stone lying on the surface of glaciers in Alpine regions: glacial period or epoch, in geol., a period so called from the signs of the action of glaciers or icebergs in the polished and grooved surfaces of the rocks over which they slid with their shingle and impacted boulders.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GLACIER TABLES
- flacier tables
- vlacier tables
- blacier tables
- hlacier tables
- ylacier tables
- tlacier tables
- gkacier tables
- gpacier tables
- goacier tables
- glzcier tables
- glscier tables
- glwcier tables
- glqcier tables
- glaxier tables
- glavier tables
- glafier tables
- gladier tables
- glacuer tables
- glacjer tables
- glacker tables
Etymology of GLACIER TABLES
The term "glacier tables" refers to flat-topped rocks or boulders found on or near glaciers. The etymology of this term can be understood by dissecting its two components: "glacier" and "tables".
1. Glacier: The word "glacier" can be traced back to the Middle French word "glace", which means "ice". It further originated from the Latin word "glacies", which has the same meaning. The term "glacier" refers to a large mass of ice and compacted snow that slowly moves downhill under its weight.
2. Tables: The term "tables" in this context refers to flat surfaces, similar to a table. It comes from the Old French word "table", which means "board" or "plank". This word, in turn, comes from the Latin word "tabula", with a similar meaning.
